HDMI 2.1 is finally here, and all of its specifications have been revealed. I don’t think I have ever been this excited about a new HDMI variant. The fact that it supports up to 10k video streaming just adds up to my excitement for the product.
HDMI 2.1 Features
- Supports up to 10k resolutions (10240*4320)
- 10k video streams at 120fps (compressed)
- 8k video at 60fps (uncompressed)
- 4k video at 120fps (uncompressed)
- Variable Refresh Rate
- Dynamic HDR
- 10,12 and 16-bit color support
- Up to 48Gbps of raw bandwidth (4 times faster than HDMI 1.4)
The specs sheet of HDMI 2.1 is really awesome for us geeks, at least. But then again, for 10K or even 8K to go mainstream will take a while. The hardware it will need is also beyond average.
Considering the present condition of Nepal, even 4K seems like a far-fetched dream. But looking at this great feat of achievement, a decade from now should hit our funny bones.
The new Display Stream Compression technology is what lets you achieve that sweet 10K video at 120fps. There is also a Variable Refresh Rate for the gaming community, a feature just like AMD’s FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync. Another feature, the Quick Frame Transport, helps with reduced latency and improved fast-paced games and VR.
Like I mentioned before,you the new technology isn’t available yet. HDMI 2.1 compliant test specifications will come out before the end of 2018. So, a definite hardware will take a while to reach the customers.
HDMI 2.0 vs 1.4 vs 1.3
HDMI 2.0 | HDMI 1.4 | HDMI 1.3 |
Up to 10.2 Gbps transmission capacity | Unchanged bandwidth | |
Ultra HD 4K resolutions support at 24 Hz, 25 Hz and 30 Hz | 4K video support at 60 fps | |
Support for 7 3D formats | 3D videos at 25 fps | |
Automatic audio sync | Automatic dynamic lip-sync |